Spectators can have a wonderful day at a Ragatta, or they and the racing yachts can have an awful day!!! It all depends on how spectator boats position themselves. Here are some basic rules (a bit like whale watching!):
- Spectator boats should be at least 100 yards away from a racing yacht.
- Spectator boats should avoid placing themselves between the wind and the racing boat.
- Spectator boats are best placed well clear of the start and finish line, and in no case should be in front or behind the start/finish line.
- Spectator boats should place themselves well away of the upwind mark and well downwind of the downwind mark. These marks are exciting positions to watch a race from.
- Spectator boats should avoid cutting across boats that are racing.